Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture(MOA)
Study Tours, Training and Workshops
Conclusions and Recommendations
INFOYU REVISED WORKPLAN 27.10.97.
Annex III: Suggested TOR for Shanghai and Guangdong Outstations
Annex IV: Draft Training, Study Tour and Workshop Proposal
1. Study Tour to Globefish Headquarters, Rome
2. Study Tour to Infofish in Kuala Lumpur
3. Databank Access Training Course in Beijing
4. Enumerators Training Course in Beijing
5. Workshops for Industry Representatives. Beijing
With the introduction of more liberal economic policies by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and the elimination of monopoly prices and markets in 1985 fishermen and producers of aquatic products can now compete in a free market. However it is acknowledged that access to information of international markets and trade is still difficult for both collective, state owned and private sector enterprises.
With these constraints in mind FAO agreed to assist the PRC establish a pilot Fish Market Information, Trade Promotion and Advisory Service for the fishery industry in PRC. This service will be linked to and cooperate with the existing Globefish/Infofish network. The support by FAO/TCP unit includes the services of a project manager, other specialist inputs, equipment and supplies, training and official travel.
A first mission of three months by the project manager took place in August, September and October of 1997. (See Annex I, TOR).
Progress in the first three months of the project was slower than foreseen in the original project document, however a solid base for future achievements has been established and a workplan for the duration of the project agreed with the Chinese authorities. The headquarters of Infoyu were established in Beijing and are operational with staff. Communications and computer and printing equipment was procured and installed and is now operational. Training in the use of this equipment has been successfully carried out
In addition an existing network of enumerators has been identified and trained and price and market data is now being received by Infoyu. Steps have been taken to publicise the services of Infoyu amongst Chinese fisheries companies and producers of aquatic products.
Pilot publication should commence in early 1998 and full publication some three months later when approval is granted by the censors.
The Bureau of Fisheries in Beijing employs about one hundred fishery experts. All the Fishery Departments in the Provinces report to the Bureau. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Bureau from the perspective of Infoyu is the Information Centre on the 7th floor. This well equipped centre with extensive computer technology has information on Agricultural and Fishery Products sent weekly from all the provinces, has its own `e' mail server, and an extensive Web Site in Chinese and English.
At the outset of the project the existence of this centre was unknown to the project planners. The significance of this centre should not be underestimated as a coherent data collection system exists within China thus obviating the need for Infoyu to set up a network of enumerators and the necessary communications network. However the data collected is not in standardised format (i.e. each province sends in a different format) and many species are identified by local names incomprehensible to the Beijing staff.
Infoyu are therefore designing a standard reporting format, for the enumerators to complete, which will include Mandarin names, English names, local names, the International codes (required by the Senior Fisheries Statistician, FAO Fishery Information Data and Statistics Service) as well as prices, size gradings etc. This task should be complete by mid November.
The MOA has also recently developed, with The China Academic Fisheries Institute, a software package showing maps of all Provinces with demographic and environmental information as well as historic fisheries statistics.
Infoyu staff are sometimes required to carry out other duties by the Bureau and during
the early stages of the project the frequent absence of senior staff members caused delays in implementation. As the project becomes fully operational these absences will cause less disruption.
Listed below are the permanent staff members of Infoyu, all staff are employees of the Bureau of Fisheries within the Ministry of Agriculture. English skills are restricted and for efficiency translators are necessary.
Counterpart Staff:
Mr Li Mingqi is the National Project Director (NPD).
Mr Liu Quin-fei is second in command and is fluent in English.
Both NPD and Mr Liu are required to travel on other Ministry business so are not always available to the project.
Mr Guo Zhijie.
Mr Zhao Wenwu.
Mr Zong Minqing.
In addition two members of the Shanghai Fisheries University are seconded to the project as are two enumerators from Guangdong.
The original project document foresaw the employment of three TCDC experts but due to the difficulty of recruiting experts with the necessary language skills and the availability of competent local experts the marketing and computer appointments were changed to National Experts and recruitment has been initiated as follows. The QA expert's post is still under discussion.
National Marketing Expert. Mr Li Yan Liang
National Computer Expert. Mr Du Weicheng
Quality Assurance Expert.
As TCDC posts these were planned as relatively short term inputs however an advantage of using National Experts is that "services as required" contracts can be issued greatly improving the efficiency of the project and enhancing the sustainability.
The consultant project manager arrived in Beijing in early August and during August offices were allocated and occupied, tenders for computers and other equipment issued and equipment procured and installed.
Computer skills amongst counterpart staff were better than anticipated. The computer network could not be completed and networked to the MOA Information Centre until a junction box required for the fibre optic cabling was delivered from overseas, expected in mid November. In the meantime a modem was utilised to link one of the computers.
National experts were identified and recruitment procedures were initiated and enumerators in Guangdong and the University of Shanghai identified.
A training course was successfully held in early October in Beijing for Infoyu staff by an officer of Globefish in accessing the Globefish databank and transferring information. The Shanghai and Guangdong enumerators returned to their duty stations after the course with project computers and modems and were operational shortly afterwards.
By mid October data was successfully received on a weekly basis from the enumerators. Exact data to be provided by Shanghai and National Marketing expert is under discussion. TOR for discussion purposes are included in Annex III.
In November/December Infoyu staff members will receive training from Globefish in Rome and Infofish in Malaysia. Two staff members will visit Rome as foreseen in the original project document but it is recommended that the study tour to Infofish be increased from one to five staff members. This is viewed as necessary as none of the staff have experience of publishing and distributing publications and exchange of information is a new concept in PRC. This study tour will enable Infoyu staff to see first hand the process of data gathering, production and distribution of publications as well as the receipt and processing of trade enquiries and data.
On return from the study tours production of reports will commence. Initially this will be pilot production restricted to a few trade users. This will allow both the censors to approve the publication and for trade customer feedback before full production begins after censorship approval.
Processing, Hygiene and Quality Assurance issues are to be addressed in the original project document and it is recommended that Infoyu concentrate specifically on the issues of compliance with International Regulations and Directives. The current situation in PRC relating to these issues is confused and the limited resources available to Infoyu could best benefit the industry by providing up to date information on these issues, specifically FDA regulations and EU directives. These must be translated into Chinese and the implications clearly explained to both Government inspection bodies and processors and producers. It is hoped that workshops currently under discussion including the trade and Government bodies will be held in 1998.
A detailed work programme and explanation as agreed with Government are included in Annex II.
Under the TCP budget computers, printers and photocopiers have been procured and are operational.
The Ministry has supplied an office, all office furniture, telephones, a server and cabling to the MOA Information Centre (not yet connected). The costs of this equipment will be quantified in a counterpart budget currently being prepared.
Considerable discussion has taken place relating to this subject. However during the visit of Mr Feidi and Mr Chamberlain from FAO agreement was reached with Government of China and recommendations forwarded to TCP unit.
Budget savings from other budget lines have been transferred to this budget line which is a high priority for Government of China. Increase in budget has been necessary due to the inclusion of a Chinese translator on the team, not foreseen in the original project document, as well as increased participants on Study Tours and increased scope of training and workshops in China.
The first training course in Beijing, training in accessing the Globefish databank, took place in early October and was completed successfully and within budget.
TCP are currently considering a request for staff training to be included within the project.
A major constraint at the early stages of the project was absence of the senior personnel, often on duty travel on other MOA business. Both NPD and Mr Liu were required to travel frequently in August and September causing periods when little could be achieved. These constraints should become less of a problem once the project has moved into production and routines are established. It is however recommended that an undertaking is given by MOA that during consultant's visits and backstopping missions by FAO and Globefish both Mr Liu and NPD will be in Beijing.
Quality Assurance and Hygiene Standards within the fishing and fish processing industry in PRC are well below internationally accepted standards. It will probably
require a ban by the EU before this subject receives the attention it deserves. This is an important component of the Infoyu initiative and has not been addressed as yet. Moves are currently in hand to liaise with CCIB, the competent authority. It has also been suggested that the China National Aquatic Products Quality Control Centre which comes under the authority of the MOA has a role but the whole situation needs clarification. To this end it is recommended that a study is prepared by a QA expert with knowledge of China. This will enable the project to focus on the most appropriate interventions with the small budget available for this issue (see TOR above). Much work will be needed in China on this issue over the next few years.
International Expert, Project Manager
(7 m/m)
Under the general direction and supervision of the Chief, Fisheries Operations Service, and in close cooperation with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and the University of Shanghai, the International Expert, Project Manager will be responsible for the entirety of Project activities during his/her term and for fulfilling its objectives. He will organize, direct and coordinate the work of the other international consultants and local experts.
As specialist in marketing, he/she will collaborate with the Chinese fisheries authorities, local institutions and trade and industry associations in defining their priorities and familiarize himself/herself with the current situation in the country with a view to ensuring, coverage of their specific needs in trade related publications to be produced by the Project.
He/she will train his national counterpart in all aspects of his task and ensure that appropriate training, sessions are organized for other INFOYU staff and for those from the regional offices. He/she will take the necessary steps to make INFOYU a full member of the Fish Marketing Information Network.
He/she will take specific responsibility for the organization of the international conference involving representatives of the Chinese fishery industry and for organizing. participation of Chinese producers and their products at international trade fairs.
He will prepare an end of assignment report, a draft terminal statement in conformity with TCP procedures at the end of his/her assignment for finalization by FAO and for submission to the Government.
His/her qualifications are in the field of fish marketing. He/she must have some experience in the INFO network. Experience in the production of marketing publications is a desirable qualification. C-level in English is required, some knowledge Chinese would be a plus. The Duty Station is Beijing. The assignment will be 3 months (month 2-4), months at the end of year 1 (month 10- 12) and 1 month at the end of the project (month 23).
A workplan was agreed in late August and revised in late October. The following revised work programme was agreed on October 27th. NPD, the Consultant, Mr Chen Shuping and Infoyu staff attended the meeting. This work programme should be updated regularly in the light of progress.
This document refers to the workplan spreadsheet dated as above.
Explanation
1. Infoyu offices were occupied and furnished in early August.
2. Tenders for computer, photocopier and printing equipment were issued in early August.
3. Computers were delivered and installed at the end of August, however the computers were not networked or connected to the MOA Information Centre as the junction box for the optic fibre cables was not available and must be imported. In the interim a modem is connected to one of the computers to allow transfer of data and access to the internet.
4. It is anticipated that the network will be completed by mid November, the junction box is currently in customs at Beijing airport. On clearance the network should be complete within a week.
5. National Computer Expert Mr Du identified late August and PH form sent to TCP unit of FAO. He has provided inputs to Infoyu as required since that time.
6. National Marketing Expert Mr Li identified in late August and PH form sent to TCP unit of FAO. Inputs to be called for in November.
7. Data sources in Guangdong exist and are currently sending price data on a weekly basis. Data sources in Shanghai have also been identified and will shortly commence sending data . Shanghai University will be responsible for other data and information.
8 & 9. Visits to Guangdong and Shanghai will take place as necessary by appropriate Infoyu officers.
10 & Training was given by a Globefish officer in accessing the Globefish databank 11. during the second week of October to all Infoyu staff, the enumerators from Guangdong and Shanghai and the National Computer Expert.
12. Quality Assurance Expert will be identified in late October and will be given the Terms of Reference for an initial study identifying current QA and Hygiene Regulations for fishery products, Inspection Authorities and the situation vis a vis EU Directives and FDA Regulations. If this is completed satisfactorily the National Quality Assurance Expert will carry out the other assignments foreseen in the project document and workplan.
13. Mr Du the National Computer Expert will continue to provide inputs as requested by the project throughout the 20 months of the project remaining.
14. Mr Li the National Marketing Expert will start his assignment in November 97 and will continue part time inputs for the remaining 20 months of the project.
15. See item 12.
16. Guangdong and Shanghai offices now equipped with computers and on line.
17. Data received from Guangdong on a weekly basis from 21.10.97. Now awaiting completion of the standard format. This is currently under preparation by Infoyu and should be complete by mid November after which data will be received in standardised format.
18. Data should be received from Shanghai from early December.
19. Pilot production of Infoyu bi-monthly Trade News will commence in mid Jan `98 after completing the study tours to Globefish in Rome and Infofish in Malaysia. Copies will be sent to selected trade users for customer feedback.
20. Pilot publications will be submitted to the censorship authorities for approval. Although no problems are envisaged in obtaining approval it is difficult to estimate how long this procedure will take.
21. After approval from the censors and feedback from industry and trade associations full production will commence.
22. Infoyu manned a stand at the Dalian Agricultural and Fisheries Exhibition and introduced the services it will offer. A database containing all contacts has now been completed.
23. The Quality Assurance workshop will take place in the third month of 1998. Terms of Reference will be based on the findings of the Quality Assurance Experts work in November.
24. NPD and Mr Liu will visit Rome for a study tour at Globefish HQ. TOR in training proposal. The timing is currently awaiting approval of the Chinese authorities.
25. NPD and four Infoyu permanent staff members will visit Infofish in Malaysia for training in December 97, for TOR see training proposal. The timing is currently awaiting approval by the Chinese authorities.
26. A further training course for enumerators will be held in Beijing in February 98 to familiarise them with publications and refine data collection during pilot production of Infoyu trade publications.
27. A workshop for Industry representatives will be held in early March 98 in order to strengthen information flow and refine publications in the light of industry comments.
28. It is suggested that the future inputs by the project manager, foreseen in the project document as a three month and a one month input, would be more efficient as three or four shorter inputs to coincide with critical junctures in the project. Timing can have some flexibility to respond to the project needs.
29. The Beijing Seafood and Fisheries Fair held in Beijing annually is the most important exhibition in China in the fisheries sector and it is important that Infoyu has a presence at the fair to make contact with both Chinese and International companies.
In 1998 an Infoyu stand is a priority.
30. Two further backstopping missions by Globefish experts are foreseen in the
original project document. the first of these should take place after initial pilot production to resolve any difficulties with the production of the first Infoyu publications. The second will be scheduled to suit project demands.
31. Considerable amounts of price data is received by the MOA Information Centre each week from many provinces. Data is not standardised and many species are referred to by local names unknown to the staff in Beijing. Standard forms are currently in production which will include internationally recognised codes for statistical purposes. It is anticipated this formidable task will be completed by mid November 97.
32. The above standardised data collection forms will form the basis of data sent from Guangdong and Shanghai from mid November 97.
The following TOR are suggestions for discussion between NPD and Shanghai University and The National Marketing Expert. NPD will revert with revised TOR within two weeks. Alternative sources of data will then be identified for any subjects that Shanghai University or the National Marketing Expert cannot fulfil.
TOR for Shanghai University Reports
On a regular basis (every two weeks) Shanghai will furnish the following information for publication in Infoyu Trade News.
Landing and resource news from Chinese fishing ports.
Respond to data required by overseas or Chinese trade enquiries.
Shipping information including the availability of freezer containers in Chinese shipping ports for exporters.
Reports on Chinese distant water fleets.
New fishing vessel orders and launchings.
Profiles of processing plants.
Aquaculture news including production, disease and new species production and R&D
News of any International Fisheries Agreements signed or ratified.
News of any Fisheries meetings, exhibitions or symposia.
Chinese legislation and QA regulations relating to processing and processing factories.
Chinese legislation relating to closed fishing areas or seasons, gear specifications and any other laws or regulations relating to the fishing industry.
A synopsis of Chinese legislation concerning the management of marine resources.
In addition over the first 32 fortnightly periods the university will provide a brief(not longer than one page) description of each province of China including basic demographic information, main cities, ports, etc. and fisheries information including resources, production (capture and farmed), imports, significant producers etc.
These will be published with market and consumer reports to be prepared by the National Marketing Expert. On completion of all Provinces a separate publication will be compiled for publication and sale by Infoyu.
Although the project only covers two provinces at this stage the information on other provinces is available within the ministry and this information will be utilised for publications.
TOR for National Marketing Experts Reports.
On a two weekly basis the National Marketing Expert will compile reports for Infoyu including the following information:
General market news from China.
Respond to any marketing data required by overseas or Chinese trade enquiries.
Developments in processing and packaging.
A review of value added products for the Chinese market.
A review of value added products for export.
Retail market information.
Consumer trends.
News of canned, fresh and frozen products on the Chinese markets.
Chinese legislation relating to wholesale and retail markets.
In addition the National Marketing Expert will over the first 32 fortnightly periods produce a brief (not more than one page) analysis of the markets and consumer trends
in each of the 32 provinces of China. These will be published with the resource and other fisheries information compiled by the University of Shanghai. On completion a separate publication will be prepared for publication and sale by Infoyu.
TOR for Study by Quality Assurance Expert.
The proposed National Quality Assurance Expert should prepare a report to include the following information as well as any other information he/she may deem relevant.
The report may be produced in Chinese but should be translated into English as soon as possible.
A summary of current Quality Assurance and Hygiene Laws and Regulations pertaining to Aquatic Products in China and comments on how these compare with current FDA and EU standards.
A description and organigram of the organisation(s) responsible for ensuring adherence to these regulations. These organisations include C.C.I.B.(The China Commodities Inspection Bureau), The China National Aquatic Products Quality Control Centre and any other appropriate organisations. This description will include the interface between these organisations and the FDA and EU authorities.
A description of how processing plants in China gain FDA and EU approval.
An indication of the number of plants approved by the FDA and EU.
Candidates: Two Infoyu permanent staff: Mr Li Mingqi NPD and Mr Liu Qian-fei. Mr Liu is fluent in English and will act as translator.
Duration: 8 days plus two days travelling time.
TOR: Visit to and a thorough understanding of the Globefish operation and administration, particularly, Inputting and processing of data.
Production of reports,
Distribution of reports,
Contribution and inputs to European Trade Fairs,
Formatting of reports using Pagemaker,
Promotion of publications to end users,
Agree information required by and from China, reporting frequency etc.,
Timing: End of November.
Cost: Airfares $2120.
DSA $3456.
Candidates: Five Infoyu permanent staff. Mr Li Mingqi NPD, Mr Liu Qian-fei, Mr Guo Zhijie, Mr Zhao Wenwu and Mr Zong Minqing.
Mr Liu will act as translator.
Duration. 7 Days excluding travelling time.
TOR will include:
A visit to and a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Infofish administration and operation, particularly:
The collection, inputting and processing of data,
The standardisation of data,
The production and formatting of reports,
The distribution of trade information,
The contribution and inputs to Fishery Trade Fairs,
The promotion of publications to public and private sector subscribers,
The generation of revenues, calculation of costings and charge out rates,
The consultancy role of Infofish and how Infoyu could generate revenue in this way.
Timing: December 97 or Feb 98.
Cost: Airfares $3950
DSA $5005
Fees $3000 (These charges by Infofish will be discussed but should not exceed this amount).
Candidates. Five permanent Infoyu staff in Beijing, two enumerators from both Guangdong and Shanghai, the National Computer Expert and the National Marketing Expert (11 candidates)
TOR. Training by Globefish staff in the effective and efficient accessing and use of the Globefish databank.
Timing: October 97
Cost: Airfares $1200
DSA $ 960
Materials $100
15 candidates, enumerators from Beijing, Guangdong and Shanghai will visit Beijing for an enumerators workshop. Training will emphasise standardisation of data, timely reporting and accuracy.
Duration 3 days excluding travelling time.
Cost: Airfares $3000
DSA $1800
Materials $ 500
Candidates from about 30 fish producing, importing and exporting companies in China will attend.
TOR. After pilot production of Infoyu trade information publications workshops will be held in Beijing to canvas opinion on the contents of the publications and insure the data meets the demands of industry.
Timing: March 98.
Preliminary cost estimates. Airfares $6000
DSA $3600
It is planned that in 1998 Infoyu staff members and a delegation of Chinese producers, importers and exporters will attend a major European Fisheries Exhibition (such as Sial or Anuga) to meet with sellers, buyers, processors and potential joint venture partners. Funding for this initiative is currently being investigated.
Contents and candidates for this workshop will be decided after completion of the report by the Quality Assurance expert.
Zhang Xi Gui, Division Director, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture
Ulrich Eckle, Counsellor, Economic and Development Cooperation, European Union
Ma Wen, Project Officer, Economic and Development Cooperation, European Union
Anthony D Sprake, Minister, British Embassy
George Squires, First Secretary (Commercial/Energy), British Embassy
Philip J Ambrose, Second Secretary (Commercial), British Embassy
Liu Ya Dan, Program Officer, Division of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture
Colin Jia, Section Manager Agricultural Division, SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Ltd
Izzat H Feidi, Chief, Fish Utilization and Marketing Service, Fishery Industry Division, FAO
Richard G E Chamberlain, Fishing Industry Officer (International Trade), Fish Utilization and Marketing Service, Fishery Industries Division, FAO
Zhang Xiang-guo, Vice-Dean Associate Professor, Shanghai Fisheries University, College of International Economics and Trade
Lawrence A Barron, Silk Road Impex Ltd, Xiamen
Wang Jin, Division of Processing, Bureau of Fisheries
Fan Xubing, EU Centre for Agricultural Technology
Du Weicheng, Director of a Division, The Information and Computer Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture, Computer and Network Division
Qu Shan-Qing, Fulltime Vice Secretary-General, China Aqua-Product's Marketing and Processing Association
Ajmal M Qureshi, FAO Representative in China
Richard J R Grainer, Senior Fishery Statistician, Fishery Information Data and Statistics Service, Fisheries Department, FAO
Li Jiala, Project Officer, The Fisheries Project Officer, Ministry of Agriculture
Zhang Chaoyang, President, Beijing Hightrain Fisheries Development Company
Ling Xiao, Director, RutherSoft Seafood Corporation
Li Yanliang, Deputy Chief, Division of Marketing, Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture
Chen Shuping, Programme Officer (Fisheries), FAO
Liu Qian-fei, Program Officer, Division of International Cooperation, Bureau of Fisheries
Li Mingqi, General Affairs Office Director Senior Engineer, Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture
Guo Zhijie, Engineer, Division of Market, Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture
Dora Blessich, Project Operations Officer (Operations Group, RAPR), FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Jane M Larkin, Personnel Officer, FAO Regional office for Asia and the Pacific
